Weekly Schedule
Sundays
8:00 am Holy Eucharist (without music)
10:00 am Sunday School (for children ages 3 through 6th grade, with childcare for children under 3 years old)
10:00 a.m. Choral Holy Eucharist
Wednesdays
9:00 am Holy Eucharist and Healing Prayers
9:30 am Gospel Preview: Bible Study
Sunday 8 am – A spoken, more contemplative service, usually Rite II Eucharist from the Book of Common Prayer. At times, during Advent and/or Lent, for example, the Rite I liturgy is followed.
Sunday 10 am – A traditional Rite II Eucharist service from the Book of Common Prayer, with inspirational music, scripture, sermon and celebration of Holy Eucharist. Coffee, conversation and fellowship follow the service, in the parish hall. In the summer months, lemonade and other refreshments are served on the front porch after the 10 a.m. service.
Wednesday 9 am – Holy Eucharist and Healing Service. This small and intimate gathering includes scripture readings, a reading from Holy Women and Holy Men, Eucharist, and healing prayers. The community gathers before the service at a local luncheonette for breakfast.
Wednesday 9:30 am - Gospel Preview: Bible Study. A gathering to study and bring greater understanding to the upcoming Sunday's Bible reading.
Sunday School 10 am – Children, ages 3 through 6th grade, attend Sunday School during the first part of the adult worship service and, at the Peace, join their families for the Eucharist.
Children are welcome in worship, and should there be a need, Bible-focused pamphlets with puzzles and pictures to color are available, as well as soft toys and books in the Narthex. The Narthex receives audio reception of the service.
Worship Participation
Acolytes
Acolytes are an important part of our Sunday services. They lead the procession with the cross and lighted candles and assist the celebrant at the altar. All children in 4th grade and above are invited to serve at the altar. Typically, 4th and 5th graders are torchbearers, 6th grade and above are crucifers, and 8th grade and above are acolytes. This ministry is a great way to give back to the church community and truly plays an integral role in the success of the service. Training is offered throughout the year, as needed, and the kids are put on weekly "teams" who serve once a month.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a dedicated group of behind-the-scenes workers who prepare the altar for services, maintain the sacristy and arrange the altar flowers.
Those who prepare the altar for services are responsible for setting up all worship and special services, housekeeping of the chancel, polishing silver and brass and laundering the altar linens. These dedicated people work as a team on assigned weeks and describe their work as a rewarding ministry and an important part of their spiritual life. There is always room for new members who are welcomed by a mentor who will walk you through the learning process.
Flower Arrangers
Flower Arrangers work on a rotating basis creating flower arrangements for Sunday and holiday services. After Sunday services, they deliver the flowers to parishioners in hospitals, shut-ins , anyone needing a visit, as well as those who are celebrating special occasions. No particular skills are required, as each person brings his or her individual style to the arrangement, creating a fresh look on the altar each Sunday. Again, new volunteers are always welcome, with a mentor to help in the learning process.
Licensed Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMS) are licensed by the Diocese to assist the Rector during worship services and to bring the Reserved Sacrament to individuals who are unable to attend services. Eucharistic Ministers also make monthly visits to local assisted living and nursing homes to conduct worship services and distribute communion from the Reserved Sacrament. Anyone interested in becoming a LEM can talk to the Rector about the licensing process, including the required training.
Lay Readers
Our lay readers serve at worship services by reading scripture and leading the Prayers of the People. Oftentimes, they may also help the Celebrant distribute communion during worship services. The youth at St. Paul’s are supported and encouraged to serve as lay readers, as well as adults.
Greeters
When you attend a St. Paul’s worship service, you will be greeted by a parishioner who can help answer questions and direct you to church facilities. If you are new or just visiting, you will be welcomed and invited to join us for coffee and refreshments after the service.
Ushers
Ushers greet people in the Narthex, hand you a service bulletin and provide information about the location of the parish hall, restrooms, nursery and church school. They also assist those in need of comfortable place to sit, provide a large print version of the Book of Common Prayer or a hearing aid device.